Grants & Awards
Supporting researchers to expand the scientific evidence for hand therapy.
Funding by the American Hand Therapy Foundation fulfills the mission of the AHTF by supporting researchers to expand the scientific evidence for hand therapy, in order to enhance the quality of upper extremity and hand rehabilitation and optimize patient outcomes.
The educational focus is to provide grants to researchers at various points in their careers, to support clinicians in their quest for excellence either clinically, or as researchers, and to support educators to teach hand therapy to under-served practice regions.
The American Hand Therapy Foundation (AHTF) has the following grants/awards available:
Burkhalter New Investigator Grant for Clinical Research in Hand & Upper Limb Rehabilitation
For a researcher who lacks research experience and has received minimal to no funding
Funding up to $15,000
Application window: Jan 1 – Mar 1
Judy Bell-Krotoski Grab the Evidence Grant
For basic science & studies to grow the evidence-base that supports hand therapy & upper limb rehabilitation.
Funding up to $20,000
Application window: Jan 1 – Mar 1
Tri-Alliance Grant Honoring ASHT Founders
Seeks to promote meaningful research in hand therapy through the funding of one or more grants.
Funding up to $30,000
Application window: Jan 1 – Mar 1
Doris Ann Slack Upper Extremity Education and Research Innovation Fund
The American Hand Therapy Foundation is thrilled to announce the establishment of the Doris Ann Slack Upper Extremity Education and Research Innovation Fund. The purpose of this fund is to encourage and support clinical innovations and education in the field of upper extremity rehabilitation, in perpetuity.
Joint AFSH & AHTF Collaborative Research Grant
The American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand is excited to partner with the American Hand Therapy Foundation for a collaborative research grant. This grant is open to any hand/upper limb surgery or therapy topics submitted by a hand surgeon/hand therapist team. Applications are due in August, and funded projects are expected to begin in December.
American Hand Therapy Foundation 2025 (ORTHOTICS) Educational Scholarship
Provides tuition cost to occupational therapists and physical therapists to a Hands On Orthotics fabrication course offered by The American Society of Hand Therapists. Therapists may attend in person or virtually. Preference will be given to those who work with underserved and vulnerable populations and are ASHT members. The application window is September 15, 2024 to November 15, 2024.
Janet Albrecht Memorial Scholarship
In 2019 the American Hand Therapy Foundation added this professional development scholarship. The scholarship provides funding for professional development to support an Occupational Therapist (OT) or Physical Therapist (PT) interested in pursuing a certification in hand therapy and/or a post-professional advanced degree.
Funding up to $1,000
Application window: May 1 – July 1
Evelyn Mackin Travel Grant for Education and Research
In 2004, the American Hand Therapy Foundation (AHTF) established a grant in recognition of Evelyn J. Mackin, PT. The goal was to increase the global visibility and quality of hand and upper extremity rehabilitation through education, research, and communication.
Purpose: Fund travel expenses for an occupational or physical therapist with advanced skills to conduct clinical education and/or clinical research activities.
Funding up to $10,000
Application window: May 1 – July 1
Ida M. Stern Research Education Scholarship
The Ida M. Stern Research Education Scholarship was created due to a generous donation from Ida M. Stern. The grant intends to promote research education in the field of hand rehabilitation and, secondarily, to expand evidence-guided hand therapy services.
Funding up to $500
Application window: May 1 – July 1
GRANTS
Supporting novice or experienced researchers who are able to expand the scientific evidence, visibility, and quality of upper extremity and hand rehabilitation.
DONATIONS
Support our mission of promoting high impact clinical and fundamental upper extremity research. Your generosity makes a difference! Support your profession through a tax‑deductible gift today.